Job Summary

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the planning, implementation, and management of countywide economic development programs with a focus on housing, workforce development, childcare, business attraction and retention, and entrepreneurship.

This position requires a dynamic and community-minded leader with strong communication skills, experience in cross-sector collaboration, and the ability to advance strategic priorities in both rural and micropolitan settings.

Key Responsibilities

Community Leadership (70% of responsibilities)

• Provide leadership for the development and execution of BBDC’s strategic priorities, programs, and projects in alignment with the organization’s mission and the needs of Box Butte County’s communities.
• Oversee initiatives related to rural workforce housing, childcare, entrepreneur development, and workforce readiness in partnership with public and private entities, including BBDC’s active grants of Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF), Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and Communities for Kids (C4K).
• Serve as a visible, credible, and enthusiastic representative of BBDC at the local, state, and national level. Build strong relationships with businesses, funders, elected officials, community members, and the media.
• Support and convene community-based working groups, coalitions, and partners to co-design solutions in areas such as housing development, childcare access, workforce retention, and community revitalization.
• Partner closely with elected officials and business leaders to demonstrate the economic impact of family-friendly policies, housing, and access to care.
• Maintain certifications including Alliance’s Economic Development Certified Community certification and Hemingford’s Leadership Certified Community certification in alignment with Nebraska Department of Economic Development programs.

Operations (30% of responsibilities)

• Lead and manage BBDC staff and contractors; provide vision, supervision, and mentorship to team members.
• Develop and manage BBDC’s annual budget in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Write and administer grants and oversee fundraising strategies to expand and sustain programming.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting systems, including minutes, performance metrics, success stories, and compliance documents.
• Regularly evaluate program effectiveness and community needs; adapt initiatives to be relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
• Ensure operational excellence with ongoing updates to workflows, processes, and service providing.

Ideal Candidate Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, community development, communications, or related field – or equivalent experience.
• Management or leadership in economic development, nonprofit, or government sectors.
• Proven success in grant writing, project development, and public-private collaboration.
• Familiarity with rural development, workforce trends, housing, and/or early childhood policy.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Nebraska Class O Driver’s License or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Rural economic development, community engagement, and place-based revitalization.
• Entrepreneurship, small business supports, and business retention strategies.
• Housing development and financing tools unique to Nebraska.
• Public policy, grant writing, budgeting, and nonprofit governance.
• Marketing, storytelling, and strategic communication.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Build trusted relationships across sectors and communities.
• Collaborate and co-create with others to meet shared goals.
• Communicate clearly and compellingly in both speech and writing.
• Lead through influence, curiosity, and vision.
• Develop and manage complex budgets, programs, and timelines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite tools and virtual meeting platforms.
• Adapt, learn, and respond to changing community and economic needs.
• Work effectively in a public-facing, highly visible leadership role.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience as a manager or executive leader in economic, nonprofit, or government sectors?

Work Location: In person